The Audi RS badge represents a similar spirit as the BMW M icon. It's one of the ultimate crosses between luxury and sport. The 2015 Audi RS 7 is designed for that exact purpose. Of course, an extremely well executed example of this nature comes with a hefty price tag. The RS 7 starts at 108900, placing it safely out of the relm of what any normal enthusiast would call "grassroots."
But if you're going to step across that line, you might as well make it a flying leap. 560 horsepower in a four-door luxury car sounds like a match made in heaven.
My drive in the RS 7 was brief. In fact, I only drove it down one road for a few miles and then back. On the drive out I had it in comfort mode and on the way back i selected the dynamic mode. I don't think I've ever felt such a difference in the feel of a car just from changing modes.
In comfort, the RS 7 is quiet, has a very smooth ride, and is very reserved when it comes to shift points. Honestly, it just doesn't feel that fast. You'd think you got into a base-model A7 if it weren't for the carbon fiber strewn all around you.
Hit the "mode" button and rotate the dial two clicks counter-clockwise and this tame luxury barge morphs into the muscly loud beast you thought it was. The shifting is now much more aggressive, allowing you into the upper RPM range easily. The ride is extremely different. It feels like a race setup. Very firm and you can feel every single irregularity in the road. I do my best to drive responsibly, but this thing tempts me. And the only thing better than the power and music at your toe-tips is the burble and pop you receive every single time you release the right pedal.
You get what you pay for. This thing is awesome. It's the latest addition to the list of cars I need but will probably never own.
My impression of this car boils down to one sentiment: It's the classiest hooligan car I've ever driven.
The first time I stepped in I was admittedly drained from a long day at the office. After taking a seat I was reasonably comfortable, but was a little put off by all the carbon fiber worked in around the interior. After driving it for a few days, though, that changed. The difference between comfort and dynamic modes is the same as the difference between the car you were expecting it to be and the car you were secretly hoping it would be. In sport mode, the RS 7 wants to be driven hard. It actually feels like it's egging you on. It handles great. It has gobs of power. Not only that, but there's room for three wide-eyed passengers all contained in luxurious leather-faced comfort. And the example we tested was painted a fantastic Nardo Grey.
As a final note, beverages should always be contained in this car. Let's just leave it at that.
Here, I'll cut to the chase: most amazing car I have driven in a while.
Bam, done.
Okay, you want some more to read?
It's practical. I love the useful way-back cargo hold. It easily swallowed a guitar plus my usual junk.
Up front is roomy. Seats are awesome. Gauges are perfect. Everything you touch has that German feel to it.
It's not quite Viper-quick, but it's fast enough for us mere mortals. Brakes felt awesome. Handling is way better than it should be for something this big.
Then there's the looks. Wow. Understated. Classy.
I could live with this as my sole car for many years, I think. I'm giving it five stars across the board.
Audi really needs to do something to put to rest the idea that you will need major engine work at or about 100k. I love there cars. But the little voice in my head keeps hammering home that you either trade it in or suck it up and pay the big bill to fix or replace the motor when the head gaskets let go at 100k.
dean1484 wrote: Audi really needs to do something to put to rest the idea that you will need major engine work at or about 100k. I love there cars. But the little voice in my head keeps hammering home that you either trade it in or suck it up and pay the big bill to fix or replace the motor when the head gaskets let go at 100k.
Audi could care less, the people buying RS7's are not the ones who will have them past even 30-40K miles. I wish they were better about it but the cars new at that price range are bought by people who could care less. The few that really do drive to 100K buy Porsche's.
wearymicrobe wrote:dean1484 wrote: Audi really needs to do something to put to rest the idea that you will need major engine work at or about 100k. I love there cars. But the little voice in my head keeps hammering home that you either trade it in or suck it up and pay the big bill to fix or replace the motor when the head gaskets let go at 100k.Audi could care less, the people buying RS7's are not the ones who will have them past even 30-40K miles. I wish they were better about it but the cars new at that price range are bought by people who could care less. The few that really do drive to 100K buy Porsche's.
I think you can safely put BMW in the same category as Audi.
I got passed by an RS7 in that battleship grey Audi has. It looked the business, and I would buy one in a heartbeat if there was a remote chance I could spend $100 large on a car. Though I would put a set of these on mine, instead of the inevitable black wheels that it had. Black wheels are soooo boring.
Aspen wrote:wearymicrobe wrote:I think you can safely put BMW in the same category as Audi.dean1484 wrote: Audi really needs to do something to put to rest the idea that you will need major engine work at or about 100k. I love there cars. But the little voice in my head keeps hammering home that you either trade it in or suck it up and pay the big bill to fix or replace the motor when the head gaskets let go at 100k.Audi could care less, the people buying RS7's are not the ones who will have them past even 30-40K miles. I wish they were better about it but the cars new at that price range are bought by people who could care less. The few that really do drive to 100K buy Porsche's.
My comment is more a general comment about Audi not specific to that car.
Ohhhh For got to add that I think the RS 7 is probably one of the 10 best looking cars new cars in last 10 years. The 5 is also very close to making that list as well. There is a proporshinality that cars have to have of hood to cab to trunk length as well as hight. The 7 I think gets it really well. The funny thing is the other car I can think of that "got it" is the 1992 Acura Legend. Proporshinaly it looks good.
I think the RS5 also gets it
The RS7 misses the mark just a little as it is starting to look like a bubble with a snout.
Displaying 1-6 of 6 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
